Tigers’ double-take to blunt Tomahawk threat

RICHMOND has faith in a two-pronged defensive strategy as it prepares for Operation Stop Tomahawk at the MCG tonight.

The two-time Geelong premiership forward is experiencing a career-best season, having kicked seven goals in each of his past two matches to climb to second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 48 goals.

But the Tigers are backing defenders David Astbury and Alex Rance to curtail the big man as they vie for a 19th straight win at the home of football.

“He’s in great form, isn’t he?,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said of Hawkins.

“He’s sort of that beacon down forward and (Daniel) Menzel’s another guy who gets under a lot of sides guards. We’ve probably got some players there who we’ll back in with Dave (Astbury) and Alex (Rance) who will play there and around Tom.

“I think he kicked three maybe the last time we played them (in Round 13). He’s such a great player. He only needs five or six kicks to damage a game.”

Tigers midfielder Dion Prestia (ribs) did not train yesterday and will miss the clash but the club is hopeful he will join fellow premiership players Jack Graham (shoulder) and Bachar Houli (groin) in making the trip north to tackle Gold Coast next weekend.

The Tigers are planning to play Houli for a half when he returns through the VFL tomorrow.